Firing Range Research Articles

Examination of dispersion pattern of GSR deposited on cloth target by 0.315"/8mm country made pistol at close firing range

Examination of dispersion pattern of GSR deposited on cloth target by 0.315"/8mm country made pistol at close firing range

HETEROGENEITY IN HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE SOIL OF A FIRING RANGE AREA AT KESARIANI, ATHENS, GREECE

Heterogeneity in metal concentrations is a typical characteristic of contaminated sampling targets, with consequences in the estimation of measurement Nuncertainty and the spatial delineation of contamination. Heterogeneity of Ncontamination is site specific and is linked to the type and origin of the Ncontaminants. In this paper we present a case study on a completed firing range, at Skopeftirio Park in Kesariani, Athens, Greece. The study focused on two heavy metals in the soil with contrasting properties. Lead, an element with high concentrations due to the previous land use of the park and Cr, an Nelement with concentrations close to the natural background at this site. Forty nine top soils samples (0-10cm) were collected from an area of 0.7 km2 by using a 40m x 40m grid. Duplicate samples were collected from 8 randomly selected sampling sites, 5 m away from the original sampling location and were analyzed in duplicate for the estimation of measurement uncertainly. Elemental concentrations were measured by AAS after an aqua- regia acid attack. Robust analysis of variance applied on duplicate measurements separated the total variability of the results into three components, representing the analytical, sampling and geochemical variances for the two elements in soil. It was shown that the combined sampling and analytical variance for the Pb has a high proportion in the total (53.5%) reflecting the extreme small-scale spatial variation of Pb contamination. For Cr, the proportion is lower (17%) indicating a more homogeneous distribution of elemental concentrations.

Lessons learned from surface wipe sampling for lead in three workplaces

ABSTRACTSurface wipe sampling in the occupational environment is a technique widely used by industrial hygienists. Although several organizations have promulgated standards for sampling lead and other metals, uncertainty still exists when trying to determine an appropriate wipe sampling strategy and how to interpret sampling results. Investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluation Program have used surface wipe sampling as part of their exposure assessment sampling strategies in a wide range of workplaces. This article discusses wipe sampling for measuring lead on surfaces in three facilities: (1) a battery recycling facility; (2) a firing range and gun store; and (3) an electronic scrap recycling facility. We summarize our findings from the facilities and what we learned by integrating wipe sampling into our sampling plan. Wiping sampling demonstrated lead in non-production surfaces in all three workplaces and that the potential that employees were taking lead home to their families existed. We also found that the presence of metals such as tin can interfere with the colorimetric results. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of colorimetric analysis of surface wipe samples and the challenges we faced when interpreting wipe sampling results.

Lead Determination and Heterogeneity Analysis in Soil from a Former Firing Range

Public places can have an unknown past of pollutants deposition. The exposition to such contaminants can create environmental and health issues. The characterization of a former firing range in Athens, Greece will allow its monitoring and encourage its remediation. This study is focused on Pb contamination in the site due to its presence in ammunition. A dense sampling design with 91 location (10 m apart) was used to determine the spatial distribution of the element in the surface soil of the study area. Duplicates samples were also collected one meter apart from 8 random locations to estimate the heterogeneity of the site. Elemental concentrations were measured using a portable XRF device after simple sample homogenization in the field. Robust Analysis of Variance showed that the contributions to the total variance were 11% from sampling, 1% analytical, and 88% geochemical; reflecting the suitability of the technique. Moreover, the extended random uncertainty relative to the mean concentration was 91.5%; confirming the high heterogeneity of the site. Statistical analysis defined a very high contamination in the area yielding to suggest the need for more in-depth analysis of other contaminants and possible health risks.

Characterization of exposure to byproducts from firing lead-free frangible ammunition in an enclosed, ventilated firing range

ABSTRACTU.S. Air Force small arms firing ranges began using copper-based, lead-free frangible ammunition in the early 2000s due to environmental and health concerns related to the use of lead-based ammunition. Exposure assessments at these firing ranges have routinely detected chemicals and metals in amounts much lower than their mass-based occupational exposure limits, yet, instructors report work-related health concerns including respiratory distress, nausea, and headache. The objective of this study at one firing range was to characterize the aerosol emissions produced by weapons during firing events and evaluate the ventilation system's effectiveness in controlling instructor exposure to these emissions. The ventilation system was assessed by measuring the range static air pressure differential and the air velocity at the firing line. Air flow patterns were near the firing line. Instructor exposure was sampled using a filter-based air sampling method for metals and a wearable, real-time ultrafine particle counter. Area air sampling was simultaneously performed to characterize the particle size distribution, morphology, and composition. In the instructor's breathing zone, the airborne mass concentration of copper was low (range = <1 µg/m3 to 16 µg/m3), yet the ultrafine (nanoscale) particle number concentration increased substantially during each firing event. Ultrafine particles contained some copper and were complex in morphology and composition. The ventilation assessment found that the average velocity across all shooting lanes was acceptable compared to the recommended guideline (20% of the ideal 0.38 m/s (75 ft/min). However, uniform, downrange airflow pattern requirements were not met. These results suggest that the mass-based occupational exposure limits, as applied to this environment, may not be protective enough to eliminate health complaints reported by instructors whose full-time job involves training personnel on weapons that fire lead-free frangible ammunition. Using an ultrafine particle counter appears to be an alternative method of assessing ventilation effectiveness in removing ultrafine particulate produced during firing events.

Effect of the Man-Weapon System on the Trajectory of a Projectile Fired from a Machine Pistol

The process of burst-firing two projectiles from a Skorpion vz. 61 7.65 mm calibre machine pistol was recorded during a test at a firing range operated by the Polish Police. This experimental test involved Browning 7.65 x 17 mm SR ammunition rounds. The shots were fired by a Police Special Forces operative. The shots were recorded with a Phantom v.9.1 slow-motion video camera, complete with the essential accessories. TEMA, a software suite dedicated to video recording analyses, was used to determine the initial kinematic parameters of flight for each of the two projectiles. By applying the theorem of momentum and spin change, a theoretical projectile flight model was developed with a respective simulation runtime in SciLab. The projectile flight results were verified with the experimental test results to validate the developed model. Having delivered a reliable projectile flight model, an analysis was carried out to study the effectiveness of the shots fired by the Police Special Forces operative towards a target 30 metres away. This paper presents a determined process of burst firing of two projectiles. It is also a representative example of repetitive shooting. The ultimate task of this research is to develop guidelines for the design of machine pistol dynamic properties that reduce the scatter of projectiles shot in series.

Uranium, thorium and tungsten concentration measured in the soil of Italian Military Forces firing range “Poligono Interforze Salto di Quirra”: natural background or enhancement of concentration levels caused by military activities?

The training activities of the Italian Military Forces are currently being conducted in over one hundred military firing ranges over the national territory. The large-scale firing range, named “Poligono Interforze Salto di Quirra (PISQ)” is located in Sardinia. PISQ is divided into two main areas: one for ground fire training exercises, and the other for training at sea. This work summarizes and discusses the large amount of analytical data produced for the geochemical characterization of the ground firing range and the surrounding areas, with particular attention to uranium, tungsten and thorium concentration levels in soils. Mining activities, even if long since stopped, have affected the region for a long time, while, more recently, the environmental legislation was subjected to a continuous evolution imposing new limits with the aim of protecting the environment. The studies carried out in the period 2002–2015 aimed, in particular, to verify if the concentrations of uranium, thorium and tungsten in soils of the firing range area have been enhanced by military training operations, causing a risk for the environment and the human health. Results seem to exclude this hypothesis; moreover it was demonstrated that depleted uranium is practically absent in the area.

Reconstructing the Firing and Pigment Processing Technologies of Corinthian Polychrome Ceramics, 8-6th Centuries B.C.E

ABSTRACTDecorative, polychrome ceramics from Corinth, Greece, produced during the 8th-6th centuries B.C.E. were luxury goods widely traded throughout Greece and the Mediterranean. Corinthian pottery is the first 5-color polychrome ceramic technology, having slip-glazes in distinctive white, black, red, yellow, and purple colors, and in a variety of surface finishes from glossy, to semi-matte, to matte. The firing temperature range, 925-1075°C, was determined experimentally to be to be higher than previously reported, similar to the Corinthian amphorae and other ceramic products. This firing range is higher than that of the better known, more prestigious Athenian Black-figure and Red-figure ceramics. In this study three examples of Corinthian and one example of Athenian Black-figure ceramics from the Marie Farnsworth collection at the University of Arizona were tested and compared to thirteen clays from Corinth. Analytical techniques included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning-electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and wavelength-dispersive electron microprobe (EPMA with BSE-SEM).Artisans in Corinthian workshops experimented to change the colors of the slips by varying the type and amount of iron-rich raw material, as well as the composition of the clay used as a binder and the amount of flux used as a sintering aid to promote glass formation. Corinthian artisans developed not only different recipes to produce the various colors, but also they were able to control raw-material particle size and composition to produce variations in surface luster (matte, semi-matte and glossy). This research suggests that Corinthian polychrome-slip technology was based on careful control of particle processing, of compositional control of raw materials and their admixtures, and of firing temperature. The behavior or practice of adding different ratios of pigments and glass-forming fluxes to form various optical effects implies a detailed knowledge of what happens when these are heated and fired. This is a process of experimentation focused on developing a distinctive craft practice, which produced a distinctive and highly valued material. The Corinthians developed a more complex, easily recognizable, and culturally distinctive ceramic technology that was intentionally established as a cultural brand, and probably as a luxury brand of high socio-economic value. This research deepens our understanding of the complex pigment processing and firing technologies employed in the production of Corinthian ceramics.

Composition, Processing and Properties of Composite Ceramic Sickle Blades from Mesopotamia

ABSTRACTCeramic tools were made in lowland Mesopotamia from about 4500 to 2750 B.C.E. At first hammers, adzes, axes and sickles were made. By about 3300-3100 B.C.E., only sickles were made. We reverse engineered the technology to show that local, salty montmorillonite clay and quartz sand were formed into a composite blade and handle from a biconical coil and fired to 1120-1170°C based on analysis of refiring tests. At 1200°C the montmorillonite clay transforms to glass, so the firing range was right on the edge of slumping the ceramic into a useless mass. To prevent plastic deformation of the clay about 25-33 vol% of quartz sand was added. The extensive glassy matrix phase enabled the best blades to be resharpened by pressure flaking. The compositions, phase assemblage, firing temperature range, material limits on processing, and properties have been characterized for 15 sickle samples from Nippur using Xeroradiography, SEM-EDS, EPMA, and analysis of refiring tests. Strength and hardness tests and toughness calculations were conducted on replicate test tiles made using clay from Pit M at Nippur, Iraq, and sand.Based on finds of small groups of well-fused sickles that were overfired and melted together and our experiments that demonstrated the difficulty of controlling peak temperature range and firing time for the somewhat variable raw material, the sickles probably were fired in small groups, of perhaps 10-15, in small arched, tunnel kilns that achieved high temperatures by facing somewhat predictable oncoming wind flows that provided natural draft. No evidence of workshops has been located, but, based on the archaeological finds at Nippur and our analyses, we propose that sickle-making may have been practiced as a local, seasonal, popular technology with tools being made by farmers or part-time specialists who fired in small, temporary tunnel kilns in fields or near settlements during the dependable seasonal winds. This research investigated the sickles as a well-engineered, but risk-prone ceramic manufacture that fulfilled an important a societal need, agricultural success. The technological choices of craftsmen were narrowed by raw material constraints, risk-taking, practice and workmanship to achieve desired properties and performance characteristics.

Application of the Metal-Organic Framework [Eu(BTC)] as a Luminescent Marker for Gunshot Residues: A Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicity Study.

The 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) [Eu(BTC)] (where BTC = trimesic acid) was synthesized in 20 min by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method with a yield of 89%. A structural and spectroscopic study, performed by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, showed that this framework has high crystallinity, thermal stability, and luminescence. This MOF had a red-orange luminescence when excited with ultraviolet (UV) radiation (λ = 254 nm) and a high potential for use as a luminescent marker for gunshot residues (GSR). When added to 9 mm nontoxic ammunition, it greatly improved quality of the crime scene investigation, allowing for direct visualization of the luminescent GSR on the shooter's hand and firearm and at the firing range using only a portable UV lamp. The marked luminescent GSR was easily collected and characterized by nondestructive techniques, including with a Video Spectral Comparator and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy, wherein the presence of Eu3+ ions was confirmed. Furthermore, the oral acute toxicity of this MOF was assessed in adult female Wistar rats using the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development 423 guidelines. This study classified the MOF [Eu(BTC)] in a less toxic Globally Harmonized System category (category 5), with a LD50 (lethal dose) of 5000 mg/kg, ensuring a wide security range for its application.

Wavefront-Guided Versus Wavefront-Optimized Photorefractive Keratectomy: Visual and Military Task Performance.

To compare visual performance, marksmanship performance, and threshold target identification following wavefront-guided (WFG) versus wavefront-optimized (WFO) photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, active duty U.S. military Soldiers, age 21 or over, electing to undergo PRK were randomized to undergo WFG (n = 27) or WFO (n = 27) PRK for myopia or myopic astigmatism. Binocular visual performance was assessed preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively: Super Vision Test high contrast, Super Vision Test contrast sensitivity (CS), and 25% contrast acuity with night vision goggle filter. CS function was generated testing at five spatial frequencies. Marksmanship performance in low light conditions was evaluated in a firing tunnel. Target detection and identification performance was tested for probability of identification of varying target sets and probability of detection of humans in cluttered environments. Visual performance, CS function, marksmanship, and threshold target identification demonstrated no statistically significant differences over time between the two treatments. Exploratory regression analysis of firing range tasks at 6 months showed no significant differences or correlations between procedures. Regression analysis of vehicle and handheld probability of identification showed a significant association with pretreatment performance. Both WFG and WFO PRK results translate to excellent and comparable visual and military performance.

Udział obywateli Związku Sowieckiego w wojnie domowej w Hiszpanii w latach 1936–1939

Udział obywateli Związku Sowieckiego w wojnie domowej w Hiszpanii był znaczący. Dla wsparcia obozu lewicy i armii Frontu Ludowego posłano ok. 4 tysięcy ludzi, w tym ok. tysiąca specjalistów cywilnych i kilkuset agentów służ specjalnych. Największą liczbę doradców wojskowych stanowili piloci oraz czołgiści. Do Hiszpanii wysłano elitę Armii Czerwonej, ludzi w zdecydowanej większości stosunkowo młodych, bo urodzonych na przełomie XIX i XX w. Józef Stalin traktował wojnę domową jako poligon doświadczalny dla własnego sprzętu oraz specjalistów. W Moskwie zadbano również o promowanie komunizmu i internacjonalizmu, posyłając do Hiszpanii dziennikarzy, pisarzy i kinooperatorów. Poniesione w trakcie konfliktu straty były bolesne, ale z pewnością nie nadszarpnęły nadmiernie potencjału militarnego Związku Sowieckiego. Oblicza się, że w trakcie konfliktu zginęło 198 doradców oraz specjalistów wojskowych, w tym co najmniej 93 lotników.

Synaptic Specializations Support Frequency-Independent Purkinje Cell Output from the Cerebellar Cortex

The output of the cerebellar cortex is conveyed to the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) by Purkinje cells (PCs). Here, we characterize the properties of the PC-DCN synapse in juvenile and adult mice and find that prolonged high-frequency stimulation leads to steady-state responses that become increasingly frequency independent within the physiological firing range of PCs in older animals, resulting in a linear relationship between charge transfer and activation frequency. We used a low-affinity antagonist to show that GABAA-receptor saturation occurs at this synapse but does not underlie frequency-invariant transmission. We propose that PC-DCN synapses have two components of release: one prominent early in trains and another specialized to maintain transmission during prolonged activation. Short-term facilitation offsets partial vesicle depletion to produce frequency-independent transmission.

Relation optimization of the starting and main stages of rockets with short-running engine on the external oxidizer

The paper considers an optimal choice of the mass relation of the starting and main stages of the rocket with a short-running engine on the external oxidizer from the point of view of achieving the maximum firing range.

Lead Exposure in Military Outdoor Firing Ranges.

Several studies have reported significant airborne lead exposures during training at indoor firing ranges. Scarce attention has been given to airborne lead exposures in outdoor shooting ranges with automatic weapons. To assess the prevalence and magnitude of airborne and blood lead levels (BLL) among firing instructors and shooters in military outdoor ranges. Exposure assessment, for both trainees and instructors, included airborne and BLL during basic and advanced training at outdoor firing ranges. Personal airborne samples were collected in both day and night shooting during both training periods. During basic training, there is 95% likelihood that up to 25% of instructors and 99% likelihood that up to 5% of trainees might be exposed above the action level (AL) (25 μg/m(3)). During advanced training, there is 90% likelihood that 10% of instructors and 99% likelihood that up to 10% of trainees might be exposed above the AL. Military personnel participating in automatic weapon marksmanship training can be exposed to considerable levels of airborne lead during outdoor firing range training. As a result, the Israel Defense Force Medical Corp has classified firing range instructors as workers that require periodic medical examinations.

Using Ca3(PO4)2 nanoparticles to reduce metal mobility in shooting range soils

Shooting activities are a very important source of contamination as they are commonly detected high concentrations of Pb in the soils from these facilities. Different remediation methods imply the immobilization of the pollutants by decreasing their mobility and availability and nanotechnology is a promising technique in this field. The effectiveness of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CPNs) in the remediation of small-arms firing range and trap shooting range soils is evaluated in this work. The operationally defined extractable content of Pb, Cu and Zn is determined together with the interaction of the pollutants with the nanomaterials. Soil samples were treated with the CPNs and after the treatment the extractable contents of Cu, Pb and Zn decrease. To check the retention by the nanoparticles TOF-SIMS (Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) and HR-TEM-EDS (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) techniques were applied. The association of Pb and Cu to the CPNs was demonstrated by TOF-SIMS although it also indicated that not all the Pb and Cu contents are linked to the nanoparticles. By means of HR-TEM/EDS it was made out the filamentous shape and the size (50–150nm long and 20–40nm wide) of the CPNs together with their elemental composition (Ca, P and O). The CPNs were identified in treated soil samples together with signals of metals. The decrease on metal extractability detected is, in part, due to the association with CPNs but still more investigation is needed regarding mobility and availability of potentially hazardous elements in soils treated with nanoparticles.

Impact assessment on the calculations range flight projectile approximation error analytic function tabular values drag air

The article provides impact assessment on the calculations range flight projectile approximation error analytics tabular values drag air. The results of calculations of relative error of the firing range by changing the function of drag air for the 122 mm howitzer D-30; reasonable demands for precision approach analytic function to the tabular value of the function drag air depending the accuracy of artillery range tables.

A cost-effective interactive 3D virtual reality system applied to military live firing training

The goal of the present study was to develop a cost-effective, man---machine digital interface, to improve students' real-world firing range training, results, and achievement scores. A serious game-based learning environment was developed, integrating invisible laser infrared technology, 1:1 real-scale rifle guns with recoil effects, as well as 3D interactive virtual reality (VR) military training digital information content, to train students in military live firing. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed design, students' performance, in terms of their learning achievement and learning motivation, was examined. One hundred and sixty high school students from Taiwan were divided into four individual groups of 40 students each, with one control group and three experimental groups (EG1, EG2, and EG3). The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. The results of this cost-effective 3D VR showed significantly better learning motivation, learning outcomes, and positive impacts on users' actual live firing achievement scores.

Ballistic performance of angle-interlock woven fabrics

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ballistic performance of angle-interlock woven fabrics. Different fabric structures firstly have been compared to benchmark the ballistic performance of angle-interlock woven fabrics using the energy loss test. It has been shown that compared with other woven structures, angle-interlock woven fabric demonstrates low ballistic resistance as absorbing less impact energy. This is because angle-interlock woven fabric owns less interlacements than its counterparts. The interlacement plays an important role to help to transfer energy to the adjacent yarns: the more interlacements, the larger area the stress wave could propagate, and more projectile impact energy could be absorbed. After this systemic analysis of overall ballistic performance, more detailed parametric study of angle-interlock woven fabric is carried out. A group of 16 different structures have been tested and compared using the in-house firing range. The studies have revealed that the 3D angle-interlock woven fabric not only displays normal features of energy absorption mechanism, like yarn slippage, fibre fracture and cone formation, which 2D fabric usually demonstrates, but also shows the new property: the weaker gripping power on the constituent yarns. Besides, it also shows that the structural parameters of angle-interlock fabrics do not have a clear influence on the ballistic performance, due to the complicated factors which also have been theoretically explained from the four aspects: (a) the clamping state; (b) yarns hit by the projectile; (c) the impact angle of the projectile; (d) the impact velocity.

The reduction of gunshot noise and auditory risk through the use of firearm suppressors

Law enforcement, security, and military personnel train with small-caliber firearms that present a significant risk of noise induced hearing loss for the operator and range instructors. Measurements of three rifles and one pistol equipped with suppressors were conducted at an outdoor firing range using subsonic and supersonic ammunition. Suppressed and unsuppressed recordings were analyzed. Microphones were located to the left of the muzzle, to the right and left of the shooter’s head, and one meter behind the shooter’s head at the nominal instructor’s position. Recordings were collected with a National Instruments PXI 1082 chassis with an NI 4499 data acquisition board at a 200 kHz sampling rate. Analysis of the peak sound pressure levels (dB SPL) and 8-h equivalent A-weighted energy (LAeq8) were conducted. The suppressors reduced the peak between 15 and 25 dB SPL and the LAeq8 between 8 and 28 dB. Reduced noise levels at the source will reduce auditory risk but do not necessarily eliminate the need for hearing protection. An outdoor noise propagation model based on ISO 17201-1 will be used to investigate the effect of suppressors to reduce noise in surrounding communities.